Student Affairs’ February Aspire! Awards celebrated the dedication of Virginia Tech students and faculty to bettering the community through their roles, leadership, and service. 

Student Affairs’ Aspirations for Student Learning reflect students’ commitment to learning and engagement in improving the world around them through service. The five Aspirations highlight the curiosity, self-understanding and integrity, civility, leadership, and spirit of Ut Prosim embodied by the Virginia Tech community. 

Nominations for upcoming Aspire! Awards are open to honor Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff. 

Amanda Hensley, Commit to Unwavering Curiosity 

Hensley “is not afraid to dig in and ask great questions so she can be a part of seeking solutions to help,” said a nominator. “Her curiosity will improve lives.”

Hensley works to inspire others through her passion for education, fostering unique opportunities for the community to engage with research. Flip the Fair, an event where graduate students present their research to fifth graders for feedback, has become an annual community event as a result of Hensley's dedication. Through educational training and outreach, Hensley works to advocate for, support, and change students' lives through curiosity.  

Hensley was recognized recognized for her dedication to helping others by embracing learning as a tool for public health and growth. 

Hensley is a doctoral candidate in the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, focusing on public health and implementation science.

Caroline McInnish, Pursue Self-Understanding and Integrity 

McInnish “recovers out loud so others don't have to suffer in silence,” said a nominator. 

Since starting her recovery journey as a first-year student, McInnish has become an advocate for harm reduction and recovery initiatives at Virginia Tech. McInnish works to support others in their recovery journeys by sharing her story and presence with The Roost living-learning community and additional recovery communities. Through her embrace of self-understanding and love, McInnish works to continue bettering herself while serving as a resource and support for those around her.  

McInnish was recognized for her strength, courage, and commitment to sharing her story and uplifting the recovery community. 

McInnish is a sophomore majoring in public health in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Alexander Efird, Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership 

Efird’s “courageous leadership is transformative, empowering others in the Virginia Tech community to embrace difficult conversations, pursue informed change, and prioritize the greater good,” said a nominator. 

As a leader in the Undergraduate Student Senate (USS), Efird works to ensure student voices are heard, advocating for efficient and representative practices in the USS. Efird's understanding of policies and his committee work led to the passing of a referendum to allow the USS to express statements reflective of the student body based on a majority vote by those students.  

Efird was recognized for his commitment to enhancing accessible, representative student governance at Virginia Tech.

Efird is a senior majoring in political science and smart and sustainable cities in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. 

Sydney Weeks, Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life 

“Embracing Ut Prosim is about embracing the moments you are given with gratitude for the time you are given and choosing to spend it wisely,” said Weeks. 

Weeks’ nominator describes her as one of the most influential members of Student Alumni Associates' history. Through her service as director of communications, president of internal affairs, and a member of the bylaw committee, Weeks has worked to embrace her values and promote positive change. She an integral force in projects such as the dedication of the Quillen Spirit Plaza and initiatives to expand membership within the organization.

Weeks was recognized for her dedication to service and uplifting others through community. 

Weeks is a senior majoring in industrial and systems engineering in the College of Engineering with a minor in science, technology, and law in the College of Science. 

Smrithi Satish, Practice Civility 

Satish’s “way of engaging with peers, faculty, and staff makes others feel heard and valued through civil conversation,” said a nominator. 

As a visitor center ambassador for Undergraduate Admissions, Satish is often one of the first students prospective Hokies meet, noted for her ability to put students and families at ease. Through her approach to leadership and communication that embraces patience and understanding, Satish serves as a reassuring resource for incoming Hokies.

Satish was recognized for her sincere devotion to supporting fellow Hokies through compassion and conversation. 

Satish is a senior majoring in environmental conservation and society with a minor in blue planet in the College of Natural Resources and Environment. 

Tamathy Conley, Practice Civility Faculty/Staff Award 

Conley “contributes to a broader culture of consideration and respect across campus,” said a nominator. “By consistently embodying and reinforcing these values, she helps create an environment where civility is the norm, not the exception.” 

As the evening and nighttime housekeeping supervisor for Student Affairs Facilities and Operations, Conley navigates challenging situations with courtesy and compassion. She tailors her response to incidents impacting community spaces with respect and understanding while emphasizing the importance of responsibility and personal growth. Through her work, Conley fosters an environment among students, faculty, and staff characterized by consideration and accountability.  

Conley was recognized for her commitment to community and civil engagement, promoting an environment where mistakes are seen as an opportunity for growth. 

Upcoming Aspire! Awards 

Student Affairs’ Aspire! Awards occur five times each academic year, offering a space to celebrate the Virginia Tech communities’ commitment to the Aspirations for Student Learning. All members of the Virginia Tech community may register to attend an Aspire! Awards celebration. 

Nominations are open for upcoming Aspire! Awards to honor students and faculty members’ contributions to the Virginia Tech community. 

Written by Kyndall Hanson, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism and philosophy, politics, and economics

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